Major League Soccer (MLS) has reported a substantial increase in ticket sales and television ratings following the 2026 World Cup, with Commissioner Don Garber describing the tournament as "rocket fuel" for the sport's growth in the United States.

Speaking to Reuters a little more than a week after the conclusion of the global tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Garber said the league was capitalizing on an unprecedented wave of domestic fan engagement. According to league figures, ticket sales have risen by 62%, while television ratings for recent matches have jumped between 40% and 50%.

"We didn't want it just to be a moment in time," Garber said, referring to the World Cup, which had been the league's "North Star" since hosting rights were awarded in 2018. "We wanted it to be the rocket fuel that would drive the next generation of growth for our league and of the sport in the United States at all levels."

To maintain the post-tournament momentum, MLS has launched a national marketing campaign titled, "Thanks world, we'll take it from here." The strategy focuses on integrating World Cup stars into MLS rosters, expanding community fan festivals, and collaborating with the U.S. soccer system.

Garber emphasized the importance of player development, stating, "We have to continue to be better at developing players and managing their pathway from the time they're under 10 until their time to be eligible for our senior national team."

Reflecting on the relationship between MLS and other leagues in North America, Garber said, "There was a time when we were coming together and it was sort of like we were dating, and now we're married," adding that both leagues must continue to work closely to capture the post-World Cup momentum.

Garber, whose contract runs through 2027, expects to remain in a leadership role during this period, with further details on the transition to be announced soon.